2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment

2nd Battalion, 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment

319th AFAR distinctive unit insignia
Active 1917–present
Country United States
Branch Army
Type Airborne field artillery
Garrison/HQ Fort Bragg
Nickname(s) Black Falcons
Equipment M119A3/M777A2 howitzer
Insignia
319th AFAR coat of arms

The 2nd Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment ("2-319 AFAR") is the field artillery battalion that is assigned to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division. Nicknamed "Black Falcons", 2–319 AFAR has participated in battles from World War I to the current day.

History

Origins

Under the U.S. Army Regimental System, the battalion traces its lineage to Battery B, 319th Field Artillery Regiment, which was originally constituted 5 August 1917 and assigned to the 82nd Division. It was organized and activated 9 September 1917 at Camp Gordon, Georgia and arrived in France in late 1917. The 319th Field Artillery participated in three major campaigns during World War I. At the conclusion of the war, the 82nd Division returned home and was demobilized on 18 May 1919.

The battalion was reorganized and redesignated the 319th Field Artillery Battalion (FAB) in 1942 and was ordered into active federal service on 25 March 1942. On 15 August 1942, the 319th FAB was reorganized and redesignated as the 319th Glider Field Artillery Battalion (GFAB). The 319th GFAB participated in all six World War II campaigns of the 82nd Airborne Division, including assault landings in Normandy and the Netherlands. The 319th GFAB was awarded two Presidential Unit Citations and two French Croix de Guerre with palm.

Under the Pentomic organization from 1957 to 1964, B/319 served as a direct support battery in the 82nd Airborne Division Artillery.

Vietnam

Deployment 1967-68

2-319 deployed to Vietnam with the 101st Division Artillery during Operation Eagle Thrust from 3 December 1967 to 18 December 1967. Battery C, 2-319 fired the Division Artillery's first round on 5 December. The battalion immediately occupied and integrated into base camp fire plans while undergoing a 30-day in-country training program and base camp development. The battalion fired 13,807 rounds in December, and 15,713 in January. On 12 January, 3rd Brigade, with 2-319 in direct support, began Operation Manchester. Battery A conducted an airmobile assault with 1-506 Infantry to FSB Keene and Battery B with 2-506 Infantry to FSB Dave. Operation Manchester continued through 18 February 1968, with a series of movements as the brigade attempted to destroy the VC Dong Nai Regiment. February began with 2-319 batteries at FSBs Meene, Nashua and at Phước Vĩnh. On 9 February 1968, the battalion was issued FADACs and selected personnel received five days of training from the 1st Infantry Division Artillery at Phu Loi 17–23 February.[1]

After the conclusion of Operation Manchester, 3rd Brigade assumed responsibility for the Sông Bé area and Uniontown north. On 4 March, 2-319 destroyed three sampans, one raft and 20 bunkers with one confirmed VC KIA. In March, the 101st Airborne Division moved to the I Corps area, leaving 2-319 attached to 3rd Brigade, which was under the operational control of II Field Force, Vietnam, operating in Bien Hoa and Binh Doung Provinces. The brigade conducted Operations Box Springs and Toan Thang under II Field Force from 5 March to 30 April 1968.[2]

On 19 June, Battery A moved to FSB Jackson, followed by Battery C on 20 June. On 25 June, the battalion moved to Dầu Tiếng, and Battery C occupied FSB Kearny on 26 June. On 27 June, Batteries A and C moved to FSB Patton to support operations in the Michelin Plantation. On 4 July, artillerymen at the Dau Tieng base camp repulsed a ground attack. From 11–14 July, the battalion occupied FSB Houston to support operations near the Sugar Mill. On 24 July, Battery B replaced Battery C at FSB Patton and Battery C returned to the brigade base camp at Phước Vĩnh. On 30–31 July, the battalion moved from FSB Patton to FSB Jackson, returning to FSB Patton on 2 August. On 27 August, Battery C moved from Phước Vĩnh to relieve Battery A at FSB Davis; Battery A returned to Phước Vĩnh.[3]

On 29 August, Battery C moved to FSB Pershing. From 5–8 September, 3rd Brigade fired 11,500 rounds of artillery during significant contacts- 59 enemy were confirmed killed, described by the 25th Infantry Division Artillery as a "disappointing" result. On 14 September, Battery B moved from FSB Shafter to FSB Pope. On 16–17 September, Battery B defended FSB Pope against enemy ground assaults, killing 104 enemy. The 25th Division Artillery release control of 2-319 on 25 September. [4][5][6]

September 1968-October 1969

On 18 September, Battery A, 2-319 closed at Camp Eagle, returning to the 101st Division Artillery. Battery A was followed by Battery B on 2 October and the battalion headquarters on 14 October. The battalion completed its return to the 101st when Battery C closed at Camp Eagle on 19 October. Almost immediately, the battalion was began conducting operations again. On 21 October, Battery C moved to FSB Bastogne. On 25 October, the battalion headquarters moved to Camp Evans with the 3rd Brigade. On 29 October, Battery A returned to Camp Evans from Panther II.[7]

From November 1968 – April 1969, 2-319 remained based at Camp Evans in direct support of 3rd Brigade. Units of the brigade conducted several named operations, including Operation Rawlins Valley (16–24 December 1968) by 1-506 and 3-187; Operation Todd Forest (31 December 1968 – 13 January 1969) by 1-506; and Operation Ohio Rapids (24 January 1969 – 28 February 1969) bt 3-187, 1-506 and 2-506. The 2-319 began May 1969 with its headquarters at Camp Evans, Battery A at FSB Blaze, Battery B at FSB Berchtesgaden and Battery C at FSB Rakkasan. On 7 May, LTC Fulwyer assumed command from LTC Harrell. On 8 May, a UH-1 hit a Battery C howitzer, resulting in 1 US with minor wounds and minor damage to the howitzer that was repaired. Battery C moved six howitzers by air from FSB Rakkasan to FSB Airborne to support Operation Apache Snow, and received two howitzers from Battery B, moved by air to FSB Airborne from FSB Berchtesgaden. On 9 May, Battery A moved by air from FSB Blaze to FSB Currahee in support of Operation Apache Snow. 10 May, battalion forward headquarters moved by air from Camp Evans to FSB Eagle's Nest to support Operation Apache Snow, which began at 0001hrs. On 13 May, FSB Airborne was attacked with RPGs, satchel charges and small arms. Batteries A and B fired in support of FSB Airborne, but Battery C sustained 13 killed, 29 wounded and 4 howitzers damaged. From mid-May through mid-June, the battalion consistently fought counterfire fights, receiving wounded from enemy action several times.

Beginning 8 June, 3rd Brigade conducted Operation Montgomery Rendezvous with 2-319 in direct support. On 15 June, Battery A repelled a ground attack on FSB Currahee, killing 54 NVA while receiving 5 minor wounded. On 17 June, Battery A received 10 wounded (8 evacuated) from a mortar attack on FSB Currahee. On 7 July, Battery A conducted a raid and fired 130 rounds at special intelligence targets. On 24 July, an FO team from 2-319 with Company C, 1-327 received mortar fire, wounding three members of the FO party, including the RTO who was evacuated. Battery A fired 56 HE in support. On 25 July, Battery C moved by air from FSB Airborne to Camp Evans to support operation Kentucky Jumper. One 105mm howitzer sustained minor damage when a CH-47 dropped it during the exfiltration. Operation Montgomery Rendezvous concluded on 14 August.

The 2-319 remained in direct support of 3rd Brigade for Operation Louisiana Lee (15 August – 28 September). On 22 August, Battery C moved by air to FSB Sword to conduct a raid, firing 370 rounds at 33 targets before returning to Camp Evans. On 23 August, the battalion forward headquarters moved from FSB Eagle's Nest to FSB Sword. On 24 August, Battery A defended FSB Berchtesgaden against ground attack, RPGs & mortars. On 26 August, Battery A moved by air from FSB Currahee to FSB Rendezvous. On 28 August, Battery B moved by air from FSB Berchtesgaden to FSB Blaze. 30 AUG, Battery B moved by air from FSB Blaze to FSB Fury. On 4 September, two howitzers from Battery B moved from FSB Fury to Camp Evans; the remaining four howitzers moved from FSB Fury to FSB Rocket on 5 September. On 12 September, Battery B consolidated at Camp Evans. On 14 September, Battery C departed Camp Evans by air for FSB Erskine, then moved by air to FSB Blaze on 20 September before returning to Camp Evans on 25 September. On 27 September, Battery A moved by air from FSB Rendezvous to FSB Blaze. On 29 September, the battalion forward CP departed Camp Evans to vicinity of Mai Loc, joined by Batteries B and C on 30 September; Battery A moved by air from FSB Blaze to Camp Evans.

The 3rd Brigade began Operation Norton Falls on 29 September. On 2 October, 2-319 established a local AWCC (call sign NORTON ARTY) at Mai Loc, Battery B moved by air from Mai Loc to FSB Sandy (renamed FSB Scotch on 3 October), and Battery C moved 2 howitzers by air to Landing Zone 1 to establish FSB Shrapnel; the remaining four howitzers from Battery C were backhauled from Mai Loc to Quảng Trị Combat Base due to lack of security at Mai Loc. One 3 October, Battery C moved one howitzer from Quang Tri Combat Base to FSB Shrapnel; two more howitzers moved on 4 October, with the last joining the battery on 6 October. On 9 October, Battery C moved from FSB Shrapnel to FSB Victory. On 15 October, four howitzers from Battery C moved from FSB Victory to Mai Loc, then on to FSB Catapult for a raid. After firing 700 rounds at 56 targets, these four howitzers returned by air to FSB Victory. On 24 October, the battalion's radar moved from Camp Evans to FSB Scotch. On 25 October, LTC Robert Hammond assumed command of the battalion from LTC Nyles Fulwyler. On 4 November, Norton Falls AWCC closed, and Battery C moved by air from FSB Victory to Mai Loc and then by road to Camp Evans. 7 November, Battery B moved by air from FSB Scotch to Mai Loc, and then on to Camp Evans by road on 8 November. Also on 8 November, Operation Norton Falls was terminated. [8][9][10][11][12][13]

November 1969 - April 1970

On 13 November, Battery B moved by air from Camp Evans to C-2 to support 2-501st Infantry; Battery B was credited with 7 NVA killed by artillery on 16 November, before returning to Camp Evans by air on 19 November. On 30 November, Battery C returned to FSB Mai Loc by air. On 1 December, Battery C (with three howitzers from C/2-11) conducted a raid from FSB Mai Loc to FSB Shepherd, firing 289 rounds at (29?) targets, and an additional 179 rounds on 24 targets on 2 December before returning to Camp Evans via air on 3 December, while C/2-11 moved to FSB Arsenal. On 9 December, Battery C moved 2 howitzers by road to FSB Omaha. On 11 December, Battery B moved by air to FSB O’Reilly. On 12 December, 2 howitzers from Battery C returned to Camp Evans. On 20 December, Battery B moved from FSB O’Reilly to FSB Jack by air. On 4 January 1970, Battery A conducted air movement from FSB Rakkasan to Camp Evans. On 5 Jan, Battery C returned from FSB Jeanne to Camp Evans by air. On 16 January, Battery C moved by air from Camp Evans to FSB Shepherd, returning on 17 January. On 24 January, Battery A moved by air to FSB Davis, fired 1275 rounds and returned to Camp Evans. On 27 January, Battery C departed Camp Evans by air to FSB Knight. During February and March, 2-319 conducted 12 more battery level displacements in support of Operation Randolph Glen before the operation ended on 31 March 1970. On 25 April 1970, LTC Walker succeeded LTC Hammond.[13] [14] [15]

Operations Jefferson Glen/Monsoon Plan 70, Lamson 719 and Lamson 720

On 5 September, the division terminated Operation Texas Star and initiated Operation Jefferson Glen/Monsoon Plan 70. Under the new plan, 3rd Brigade assumed responsibility for pacification and development efforts for the four districts of Thua Thien Province north of the Perfume River.

On 18 October, LTC K.S. Korpal assumed command of 2-319 from LTC Walker. Throughout the monsoon season from October to December, 2-319 remained relatively static, as 3rd Brigade's infantry battalions conducted search and attack operations in the brigade's area. As the weather improved in January, the 3rd Brigade began to push operations west into the highland jungle areas of the province. On 8 January 1971, Battery C moved from Camp Evans to FSB Rakkasan, replacing Battery A which returned to Camp Evans. On 25 February, 2-319 deployed to Quang Tri Province in support of 3rd Brigade as part of Operation Lam Son 719. Battery A moved from Camp Evans to Mai Loc. On 26 February, Battery B returned from FSB Jack to Camp Evans, deploying to A-2 on 27 February. On 1 March, Battery C moved from FSB Rakkasan to FSB Carroll. On 4 March, Battery B moved from A-2 to FSB Anne. On 16 March, Battery A moved from Mai Loc to map coordinates XD 742441, returning to Mai Loc on 19 March. On 22 March, Battery A moved from Mai Loc to FSB Sarge

On 8 April, Operation Lamson 719 ended, and Operation Lamson 720 began as a continuation to Operation Jefferson Glen/Monsoon Plan 70. Between 7 and 10 April, the battalion redeployed from Quang Tri Province, with Battery C moving from FSB Carroll to Camp Evans with 8 April and Battery A from FSB Sarge to Camp Evans on 9 April. On 11 April, Battery A Moved to FSB Gladiator.[16][17]

Redeployment and inactivation

Lamson 720 was the last major operation for 2-319 in Vietnam. US troop reductions had started in 1969, but accelerated in 1971. The 2-319 AFAR departed Vietnam on 20 December 1971 as part of Increment X of the US Army withdrawal from Vietnam. The 2-319 AFAR was inactivated and relieved from assignment to the 101st Airborne Division on 31 July 1972. It would remain inactive until 1986.[18][19][20][21]

Operation Iraqi Freedom I

In early 2003, 2-319 deployed in support of the 2nd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) I. The unit earned a Presidential Unit Citation for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy for its actions while attached to the 3rd Infantry Division from 28 April 2003 to 1 May 2003 [22] and a Valorous Unit Award for sustained offensive operations against determined paramilitary forces, former regime loyalists, terrorists, and religious extremists in Baghdad Province from 7 May 2003 to 15 February 2004.[23]

Operation Iraqi Freedom II

Dec. 08, 2004 thru March 29, 2005

Operation Iraqi Freedom 2007-08

Beginning in December 2006, 2-319 deployed with 2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Division as part of the lead BCT of "The Surge" into Iraq. Over the next 15 months, members of the Black Falcons deployed in the Adhamiyah neighborhood in Baghdad, established Combat Outpost (COP) War Eagle, operating as provisional infantrymen as well as training Iraqi forces. 2-319, including HHB, Battery A, Battery B and attached forward support Company G 407th Brigade Support Battalion, were awarded the Valorous Unit Award for actions from 4 January 2007 to 1 April 2008. 2-319 returned to Fort Bragg in March 2008.[24][25][26][27][28][29]

Operation Unified Response - HAITI

January 14, 2010 thru March 18, 2010

Operation NEW DAWN - IRAQ

May 27, 2011 thru November 27, 2011

Lineage & honors

Lineage

(Organized Reserves redesignated 25 March 1948 as the Organized Reserve Corps)

Campaign participation credit

Note: The published US Army lineage shows no campaigns for the War on Terrorism as of 4 March 2010. Comparison of the battalion's deployment dates and unit awards with War on Terrorism campaigns estimates that the battalion is entitled to credit for participation in the five campaigns listed.

Decorations

Battery B additionally entitled to:
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered THUA THIEN PROVINCE
  • Valorous Unit Award, Streamer embroidered NINEVEH PROVINCE 2005[30]

Note: Separately cited awards are not listed on the officially published Army lineage, updated 4 March 2010.

Heraldry

Distinctive unit insignia

319th Field Artillery Regiment Distinctive Unit Insignia

Coat of arms

319th Field Artillery Regiment Coat of Arms

References

  1. ↑ Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division Operational Report for Quarterly Period Ending 31 January 1968
  2. ↑ Operational Report of 101st Airborne Division Artillery for Period Ending 30 April 1968
  3. ↑ Operation Report of 25th Infantry Division Artillery for Period Ending 31 July 1968
  4. ↑ Operational Report of 3D Brigade 101st Airborne Division for Period Ending 30 April 1968
  5. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 1 May 1968 – 31 July 1968, Headquarters, 101st Air Cavalry Division Artillery
  6. ↑ Operation Report of 25th Infantry Division Artillery for Period Ending 31 October 1968
  7. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned 1 August 1968 – 31 October 1968, Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division Artillery
  8. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division for Period Ending 31 January 1969
  9. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division for Period Ending 30 April 1969
  10. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned 1 May 1969 – 31 July 1969, Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division Artillery
  11. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) for Period Ending 31 October 1969
  12. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division Artillery (Airmobile) Period Ending 31 October 1969
  13. 1 2 Operational Report – Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division Artillery (Airmobile), Period Ending 31 January 1970
  14. ↑ Combat Operations After Action Report, Operation Randolph Glen, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile)
  15. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile) Period Ending 30 April 1970
  16. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division, (Airmobile), Period Ending 31 October 1970
  17. ↑ Operations Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), Period Ending 30 April 1971
  18. ↑ http://www.angelfire.com/rebellion/101abndivvietvets/page12battleorder.html
  19. ↑ Bagby, Byron S. "Loyaute." Field Artillery Journal 52 (November–December 1984):51–53.
  20. ↑ Operational Report - Lessons Learned, 101st Airborne Division (Airmobile), Period Ending 31 October 1971
  21. ↑ "Chapter III: The War in Vietnam - DAHSUM FY 1972".
  22. ↑ http://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/pdf/go1022.pdf
  23. ↑ https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/assets/awards/2010/217-05.pdf
  24. ↑ Pryor, Sgt Mike. "2nd BCT, 82nd Airborne Arrives in Bagdad." Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. 22 January 2007. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.
  25. ↑ Blair, Sgt. Susan. "Lead Surge Brigade Returns to Fort Bragg." Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. 26 March 2008. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.
  26. ↑ Pryor, Sgt. Mike. "Taking back the streets: "Black Falcons" Put Boots on the Ground in Adhamiyah." Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. 14 February 2007. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.
  27. ↑ Pryor, Staff Sgt. Mike. "Falcons lead 'surge' into Baghdad - Paratroopers restor security to Iraqi capital during 15-month deployment." Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. 13 March 2008. Web. Accessed 18 October 2015.
  28. ↑ Pryor, Staff Sgt. Mike. "With deployment over, artillerymen get back on the guns." Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System. 12 September 2008. Web. Accessed 18 October 2008.
  29. ↑ https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/assets/awards/Previously_Approved_Unit_Awards.xlsx
  30. 1 2 (CMH), U.S. Army Center of Military History. "2d BATTALION, 319th FIELD ARTILLERY REGIMENT - Lineage and Honors - U.S. Army Center of Military History (CMH)".
  31. ↑ "Lineage and Honors Information: 2d Battalion, 319th Field Artillery Regiment." United States Army Center for Military History. 4 March 2010. Web. Accessed 17 October 2015
  32. ↑ "Afghanistan Campaign Medal or Iraq Campaign Medal." The Adjutant General Directorate (TAGD). United States Army Human Resources Command. 6 August 2015. Web, accessed 12 October 2015 Archived 11 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine.
  33. ↑ Headquarters, Department of the Army. General Orders 2013-88. 1 November 2013. Web. Accessed 28 October 2015
  34. ↑ Headquarters, Department of the Army. General Orders 2013-46. 20 September 2013. Web. Accessed 28 October 2015

External links

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